can rust corrode granite?

[paulines]

I recently read something that has me quite concerned re' granite and rust.We just had Typhoon Green granite installed. It has numerous rust spots and streaks which we considered part of the charm of the stone. Should these rusts spots been removed prior to install? Can they spread or "eat thru" the granite? Is water penetration an issue? This particular stone seems somewhat oil sensitive. Thanks for any advice!

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[doitright]

Hi Pauline, Welcome! :)

I'm not familiar with the particular stone you mentioned. It sounds like a material that naturally contains iron. Iron when combined with water, produces rust.

The oil staining can be prevented with a quality impregnating sealer.

Where is the stone located? Has anything been applied to the surface?

Hopefully others will be along to lend assistance. The rust will not corrode the stone, but if moisture exposure is allowed to continue, the rust can get worse. The actual rust can be very difficult, if not impossible to remove.

If you can get a scrap of the same stone, that's where I'd begin to test removal methods & procedures.

[paulines]

Thank you for the welcome. The granite is my kitchen counters. It has been sealed. So, if I keep these counters properly sealed, the rust will not spread or get worse? In some spots it feels as if the rust is coming thru the surface? The fabricator tells me they will be fine, it's just the minerals within, but I need reassurance.
Pauline

[doitright]

Hi Pauline :)

Sorry for the name infraction, it's corrected now. ;)

Sounds like you're on track. My only concern is earlier you mentioned oil sensitivity. If it's properly sealed, that shouldn't be an issue, if you're maintaining with a neutral cleaner. :confused:

[Maurizio Bertoli]

Dear Pauline:
I never heard of that particular "granite" - at least not under that name. However, going by your report, you're getting more rust than ... necessary! :uhh:
Rust stains that come from within the stone can't be removed.
Obviously, they didn't seal your countertop properly. If it is an absorbent stone three applications of a good-quality impregnator, at an interval of 24 hours in between each application, are usually required. More, if the product is "thin."
Again, the problem is the rusting. It does sound excessive to me. It probably will not damage the stone, but I wouldn't want it.
The way you care for your countertop and the cleaning agents you use are very important, too! ;) :shades:
Ciao and good luck,

[paulines]

Maurizio, Thank you for your reply! If I am allowed to say this, the product used for sealing my granite is called 511 Porous Plus. Would this be the correct product to use and if not, are you allowed to suggest something compatible that I should be using? I know it was sealed once, and I will seal it again and then again after 24 hours? If you do a google search, you will view the Typhoon Green, the weird thing is the slab you will see appears to have substantial "rusting", mine is much less yellow, my thoughts are perhaps it could be something other than rust? If you would be interested in seeing what Typhoon looks like, I'd be happy to send you a picture. BTW-you are probably right, I don't think it's a true granite, either. This site is amazing, I wish I discovered it sooner! Pauline

[John Bridge]

Hi Pauline, Welcome aboard. :)

I'm no stone expert, but I don't want you to be alarmed. Many, many species of stone contain iron which can produce oxides or rust. I personally don't think you have anything to worry about. 511 is a tried and tested product.

[Maurizio Bertoli]

Dear Pauline:
The impregnator you mentioned is a thick one and - John is right - true and tried. Still, it should be applied at least twice. Like any other silicon-based sealer is a little short at repelling oil, though. But you already found that out! ;)
I did take a look at the picture of that stone. If your "rust" is even less than the one shown in the picture, then you shouldn't worry. :)
Ciao and good luck,